How to Shop for Eco-Friendly Cosmetics
 Many of us want to look our best and live green. Avoiding certain ingredients in standard cosmetics is definitely a must in this case. However, it can be confusing to know where to start. Here is a little guide to help get you started.
The best way to start is to learn the main things to avoid and then check product ingredient labels. Or rather than going through every label, you can also choose a cosmetics company that has signed the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics compact and uses certified organic and natural ingredients.
On the positive side, there are plenty of products that are not only cruelty-free, but certified organic as well. One of the things to be aware of is to not be taken in by words such as natural, organic or hypoallergenic on the packaging. You need to make sure that the product has a certified label by reading between the lines. You can look for the Eco-Cert label as well as the USDA Organic seal which is used in 80 countries worldwide. Using organically produced ingredients ensures that not only are your cosmetics healthy for the environment, but it also means you don't have to worry about your skin absorbing chemical residues either.
Most of us are aware of the impacts of fossil fuel derived ingredients. There are a surprising number of petroleum products out there that are commonly used in cosmetics. The compounds that make these can cause some sensitivity. The long-term consequences of using these products have not yet been fully studied. Mineral oil, paraffin and propylene glycol can be found as basic ingredients in the majority of cosmetic products. Once again, is it essential to read the ingredients and look for certified labels. One of the most obvious products using petroleum is lip gloss and balm. Go for vegetable oils and beeswax instead.
Another tip is to investigate the companies that make the products and know what they stand for. Do they endorse animal testing? You may discover that they withhold ingredients or refrain from using recyclable packaging. Looking up the companies and seeing what goes into their products will help you make a wiser selection.
One last thing EnviroCitizen.org has found that you can do is to skip the store and go for homemade cosmetics instead. You’ll get the assurance of knowing that everything that goes into the finished product is safe and eco-friendly. There are lots of guides on how to do this and it is relatively inexpensive. Do some research today!
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